Athlete of the MonthAugust

Get To Know Your Coaches

This month we decided to turn the spotlight on our Coaches; Alan, Eric, and Staci.

This month we decided to turn the spotlight on our Coaches; Alan, Eric, and Staci. We asked them a few unique questions about their time at Mighty Warrior and we hope you enjoy their answers as much as we did!

 

When did you start doing CrossFit?  

Alan – In 2010 I found a short article in Men’s Health that referenced CrossFit.  I tried it and was hooked.

 

Eric – During the Open of 2013. After being asked by my buddy (Leeann’s son) for months to check out CrossFit, I FINALLY agreed to do a partner WOD with him @ his gym for “Saturday Bring A Friend Day” and have been hooked ever since. I can remember that first week being crushed by the various programmed workouts: open WOD 13.3, 10-1 Empty Bar OHS and Bar Over Burpees, and trying Fran for the first time finishing at a blazing speed of right around 20:00~ minutes. 

Staci – I believe I started with Mighty Warrior CrossFit in August of 2013. My very first group WOD was called Balls in the Park, and we threw wall balls as far as we could, then ran to them and did 10 burpees. We repeated this until we got to Sibley Road. I remember thinking how much fun I was having; all while being challenged physically. 

What’s your favorite aspect of coaching our Warriors? 

 

Alan – The members and their sense of humor. Sometimes they even laugh at my dumb jokes. Seriously though, I like helping people.  Knowing that my coaching improved someone’s movement, lift, or health is a great feeling.

Eric –  Seeing the joy they create in themselves by tackling new physical feats they never thought their body would be capable of (and if I can help play a role in that journey, then that just makes it even sweeter). Seeing their new level of fitness spill over and positively impact their life outside of the gym. Also, all of the friendships that have formed in our community.

Staci – Connecting with each of our members, on some level, is awesome. I think it is so cool to know that we all have at least one thing in common! I also LOVE when one of our members reaches out to let me know that I helped them make that lift, take a band away for pull-ups, get their first bar muscle up, or even jump to a box for the first time. Our warriors make me so proud to be a member of this community every single day. 

 

What do you do outside of coaching and working out at Mighty Warrior?

Alan – My most important job is being a husband to Jennifer Leveille and a parent to three obnoxious kids (just kidding they’re awesome).  But to pay the bills I’m a police officer that specializes in accident reconstruction. I also belong to a police and fire motorcycle club that is a registered charity.  We provide assistance to public safety families in times of need. My other hobbies include deer hunting, golf, reading, woodworking and home improvement.

Eric – I recently have been having a blast with rock climbing, anything on or in the water, and trying my hand at learning the bass guitar. For work, I operate as an Air Export Agent for a logistics company in the beautiful city of Romulus. In my leisure, I enjoy partitioning my time between my favorite women: The great and powerful Lolita Juarez, and my 2 nieces Kamryn & Kallie. 

Staci – Outside of Mighty Warrior, I am a unit educator and charge nurse in the trauma, surgical intensive care unit at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. I am also currently a graduate student working towards a Master of Science in Nursing Education, and I will graduate in 2022. I have been married to Josh, who most of you already know, for 12 years. We have a dog and a cat, no kids, and LOVE Disney World. We also really enjoy traveling, and we are looking forward to our first trip over the pond this October; we will be headed to Amsterdam for a week!

What’s a fun fact about you that most Warriors might not know? 

 

Alan – I used to have hair! I can play guitar (kind of) but can’t sing to save my life.  I was active duty Army for five years and got to repel out of helicopters. The really fun stories come out after a few beers. 

Eric – I took home the blue ribbon in every Javelin Throw event on field day throughout elementary school, and was the undisputed fastest kid in fifth grade.

Staci – I am adopted, and found my biological family 7 years ago. I have 3 100% biological siblings, as my biological parents ended up getting married a little later in their lives!

What’s the next goal you’re looking to achieve as an athlete?

 

Alan – Being more consistent (eating and training).  I plan on trying to increase my size and strength over this winter. 

Eric –  Work to improve my nutrition choices, be mindful of my quality of movement, and explore new ways to expand my gymnastic creativity. Most excite: only 350 more days til next year’s Fresh Coast Games!

Staci – I don’t have a particular goal set in mind, I would just like to continue to improve, and work towards being the healthiest version of me I can be.

 

What’s the next goal you’re looking to achieve as a coach?

Alan – To be more knowledgeable.  I wish I had the answer to everyone’s questions.  

Eric – To not get set into one form. To be “like water” for our members. To become more proficient in adapting to finding the best approach when working with our athletes in learning a new lift or skill. To making every class the best hour of our athlete’s day.

Staci – As a coach, achieving my level two certification was a big deal for me. I accomplished that this past April, and since then I have been working to improve my coaching, and my ability to identify and properly correct faults to keep our athletes safe.

 

What’s one thing you’d like to say to all our Warriors? 

Alan – THANK YOU!!! Without you we wouldn’t have this gym and wonderful community.  

Eric – I wish for each and every one of you to believe in yourselves the way I believe in you. You are all capable of so much! The physical and interpersonal improvements made within those walls has not stopped since I first joined this community, and I’d like to personally extend my gratitude and say thank you to all of the owners, coaches, and members for allowing me the opportunity to stand beside you. At the end of the day, it’s better to think “I’m glad I did” than “I wish I had.”

Staci – Thank you for trusting me with your fitness. Each Friday that I coach, I am renewed by the energy you all bring to class! I am truly honored to be a part of the coaching team at Mighty Warrior CrossFit, and my life has been so much fuller with all of you in it.